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Bruins to Celebrate Willie O'Ree Day on Saturday

by
Staff Writer
/ Boston Bruins

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Bruins will host Willie O'Ree Day on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the TD Banknorth Garden in conjunction with their home game against the New York Rangers. The Bruins will honor O'Ree and his contributions to professional hockey throughout the day in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of O'Ree breaking the color barrier in the NHL.

Festivities will begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. ET with the unveiling of a permanent display dedicated to O'Ree in the Boston Bruins exhibit at the Sports Museum, located on the 5th level of the TD Banknorth Garden. O'Ree will be available to the media after the unveiling is complete, however the event is invite/media-only.

Before the game, O'Ree will participate in the ceremonial puck drop with the team captains and during the first intermission, O'Ree will be honored with a video presentation and on-ice ceremony involving Bruins legend and Hockey Hall of Famer John Bucyk and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. O'Ree is schedule to appear on NESN's intermission report following the second period.

All fans attending Saturday's game will receive a commemorative Willie O'Ree poster.

After playing in the AHL for the Quebec Aces, O'Ree made his Boston Bruins and NHL debut on January 18, 1958 in a game against the Montreal Canadiens.

O'Ree returned to the Bruins during the 1960-61 season and contributed 4 goals and 10 assists in 43 games.